Portable solid waste compactor

ABSTRACT

A portable waste compactor for automatically compressing used paper cartons, cans and the like refuse or waste into a compact mass for efficient disposal is described. An automatically recycling worm gear drive mechanism reciprocatively drives a compacting ram down into a dolly-supported refuse container with a stroke varying in accordance with the reactive force of the waste material being compacted. An electrical interlock prevents operation of the compactor upon removal of the dolly-supported container for easy withdrawal and transport of waste compacted therein. The throat of the refuse chute is equipped with a guard gate cooperatively associated with the ram so as to close the refuse chute opening upon downward compacting movement of the ram to prevent the placing of a person&#39;&#39;s hand under the ram while in its downward stroke, and operative to stop the ram on its downward stroke if the gate is obstructed in an open position by the hand or by a piece of refuse accidentally jammed between the side portion of the ram and an outer portion of the refuse chute. The period of repetitive recycling can be varied over wide time interval for adjustment to a rate in keeping with that at which waste is being supplied to the device for compaction.

United States Patet [191 Tashrnan PORTABLE SOLID WASTE COMPACTOR Philip Tashman, 4800 Ronda, Coral Gables, Fla. 33146 22 Filed: Nov. 1, 1972 21 App]. 1102302346 Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 154,575, June 18,

1971, abandoned.

[76] Inventor:

52 us. ca 100/52, 100/53, 100/99, 100/ 100, 100/21 S, 100/229 A, 100/256, 100/289 [51] Int. Cl B301) 15/14 [58] Field of Search 100/52, 53, 99, 229 R, 100/229 A, 100, 256, 289, 215, 295

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,675,669 7/1928 Snyder 100/289 X 1,738,326 12/1929 Smith IOU/229 R 3,204,550 9/1965 Swiderski et a1 100/289 X 3,352,230 11/1967 Hunnicutt 100/53 3,463,079 8/1969 Corbett 100/229 R 3,537,390 lI/l970 Hinkel... 100/52 X 3,601,953 8/1971 Boyd 100/100 X 3,720,844 3/1973 Sahs 100/289 UX 3,757,683 9/1973 Engebretsen 100/229 A FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 137,472 l/l948 Australia 100/100 543,717 3/1942 Great Britain 100/229 R OTHER PUBLICATIONS Precisions Compaktor Pamphlet (4 pp.), July 1970.

Compaktion Pamphlet (4 pp.), Aug. 1972.

' Pn'mary Examiner-Billy J. Wilhite Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Ernest H. Schmidt A portable waste compactor for automatically'compressing used paper cartons, cans and the like refuse or waste into a compact mass for efficient disposal is described. An automatically recycling worm gear drive mechanism reciprocatively drives a compacting ram down into a dolly-supported refuse container with a stroke varying in accordance with the reactive force of the waste material being compacted. An electrical interlock prevents operation of the compactor upon removal of the dolly-supported container for easy withdrawal and transport of waste compacted therein. The throat of the refuse chute is equipped with a guard gate cooperatively associated with the ram so as to close the refuse chute opening upon downward compacting movement of the ram to prevent the placing of a persons hand under the ram while in its downward stroke, and operative to stop the ram on its downward stroke if the gate is obstructed in an open position by the hand or by a piece of refuse accidentally jammed between the side portion of the ram and an outer portion of the refuse chute. The period of repetitive recycling can be varied over wide time interval for adjustment to a rate in keeping with that at which waste is being supplied to the device for compaction.

PATENTEUAUEZYISM SIEH'IIIG PATENTEDmszmn SMETBNG LISZOOVVAC IGN J I97 v [BB FIG. I3

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 154,575 filed June 18, 1971, now abandoned.

This invention relates to waste disposal apparatus and is directed particularly to a portable waste compactor operative to automatically squeeze paper milk cartons, cans, bottles, aerosols, food scraps and the like waste materials accompanying the operation of cafeterias or dining facilities in industry, hospitals, public institutions, banks, office buildings, hotels, schools, restaurants and the like. In applicants patent application Ser. No. 154,575 filed June 18, 1971 and titled Portable Solid Waste Compactor, now abandoned there is described a waste compactor which will automatically compress or compact waste supplied thereto in 12 seconds at a :1 ratio, and which automatically recycles over an adjustable predetermined period to continuously accommodate for compaction at a rate in keeping with that at which waste is being supplied to the apparatus.

This application has as its principal object the improvement of the waste compactor described in the above-mentioned patent application in various respects, particularly in improved simplicity-of design, safety in operation, dependability of operation, and ease of disassembly for maintenance, cleaning and repair.

A more particular object of the invention is to provide a portable solid waste compactor of the character described wherein the throat of the waste receiving chute leading to the removable dolly for compaction is provided with a vertically sliding closure gate cooperative with the downstroke movement of the ram to guard against a person placing his hand through the chute and beneath the ram during its downward stroke and operative, if said guard gate is obstructed in its gravityactuated downward movement, to operate switch mechanism serving to reverse the compactor drive motor so as to withdraw the ram to its uppermost rest position and thereby prevent accidental injury.

Another object of the invention is to provide a waste compactor of the above nature having an improved,

ram drive mechanism actuated by a fractional horsepower motor and capable of achieving ram pressures of approximately 7,500 pounds, the ram assembly and its drive mechanism being removable as a unitary assembly from the top of the compactor housing for easyservicing and replacement.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a waste compactor of the above nature including access doors both at the front and rear of the ram assemblyfor ready access for steam cleaning and the like maintenance.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a portable solid waste compactor wherein the control circuitry for the most part is incorporated in a modular control panel provided with quick disconnect electrical interconnection plug members permitting easy pullout removal for repair or replacement if necessary.

Yet another object is to provide a waste compactor of the character described including electrical interlock means including the waste container dolly, and the front and rear access panels, thereby preventing operation of the ram unless and until the waste container dolly is properly positionedin the main compactor unit,

and the front and back access doors are both closed and locked.

Still another object is to provide a portable solid waste compactor which will be simple in construction, easy to clean, self-contained, readily movable from place to place, attractive in appearance, foolproof in operation and durable in use. 1 Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, as seen from the front, of a waste compactor embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view thereof, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated at 3-3 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated at 4-4 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along theplane indicated at 5-5 of FIG. 4 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, enlarged portion of the screw thread drive mechanism of the compacting ram illustrated'in FIG. 5, as seen in vertical cross-section;

FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated at 7-7 of FIG. 5 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated at 8-8 of FIG. 6 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 9 is a partial vertical crosssectional view taken along the plane indicated at 99 of FIG. I in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated at l0l0 in FIG. 9 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated at ll1l of FIG. 9 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 12 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating the plug-in operation of the modular control panel at the front of the compactor above the refuse chute; and

FIG. 13 is an electrical schematic diagram of the electrical circuitry controlling the operation of the compactor.

Referring now in detail to the drawings reference numeral l0 designates generally, a preferred form of waste compactor embodying the invention, the same being comprised of an upstanding main compactor unit 11 and a removable waste container dolly 12. The main compactor unit 11 comprises a three-dimensional rectangular framework 13 including spaced, parallel, coextensive front corner posts 14 and 15 and rear corner posts 16 and 17 all of which are preferably of steel tubing have a square cross-sectional shape. The corner posts l4, l5, l6, and 17 are secured in their relatively spaced position by upper front-to-back spacer members 18 (only one shown in FIG- 4), upper front and back spacer members 19 and 20, intermediate back spacer member 21, and lower front and back spacer members 22, 23, respectively, all of which are also preferably of square-shaped steel tubing. The lower ends of the front and rear corner posts 14 and 17, respectively, have affixed against the lower ends thereof a front-to-back bottom plate 24. Similarly, the respective front and back corner posts 15 and 16 have affixed against their lower ends a front'to back bottom plate 25. The bottom plates 24 and 25 are of such width along their length as to provide opposed, inwardlydirected marginal upper surface portions for support of the waste container dolly 12, as is hereinafter more particularly described. A rear support plate 26 is fixed with respect to and extends between the rear or inner ends of the bottom plates 24, 25. Castor wheels 27 are fitted at lower ends of the framework corner posts 14, 15, 16, and 17, being appropriately affixed with respect to the front to back bottom plates 24, 25 for rolling portability of the main compactor unit 11.

The main compactor unit 11 further comprises a compactor ram assembly, indicated generally at 28, supported within the unit framework 13 from the upper end thereof. To this end, a pair of channel iron members 29, 30 are supported in fixed relation above and between the framework upper front-to-back spacer members 18, said channel members being arranged in spaced, parallel relation. Bolted against the underside of the channel iron members 29 and 30 as by machine screws 31 is a substantially rectangular ram assembly support plate 32. Welded or otherwise securely affixed against the underside of the support plate 32 in spaced, parallel, depending relation are a pair of tubular front ram guide members 34, 36, and a pair of tubular rear ram guide members 33, 35, said ram guide members defining a rectangular, box-like configuration (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 7).

The compactor ram assembly 28 comprises a rectangular box-like ram, indicated generally at 37, mounted for vertical reciprocative motion with respect to the upper support plate 32. To this end, the ram 37 comprises a rectangular bottom plate 38 secured with respect to and upstanding from the corners whereof are tubular front ram guide sleeves 40, 42 and tubular rear guide sleeves 39, 41. The tubular front ram guide sleeves 34, 36 are slidingly received on front ram guide members 34, 36, and the tubular rear guide sleeves 39, 41 are slidingly received on rear guide members 33, 35. The ram guide sleeves 39, 40, 41, 42 are enclosed by a box-like ram housing structure comprising a bottom plate 43, side plates, 44, 45 and front and rear plates 46, 47, all of which are preferably of stainless steel welded together at their junctures to provide a rigid, unitary structure.

Means is provided for drivingly reciprocating the ram 37 in the vertical direction. To this end, a drive screw 48 is provided (see FIG. 5 said drive screw being journalled at one end in the support plate 32 as by journal block 49, and extending downwardly to a distance somewhat short of the extent of the front and rear guide members 34, 36 and 33, 35, respectively. The upper end of the drive screw 48 extends through the support plate 32, whereat it carries a pulley 50. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the pulley 50 is fitted with a belt 51 trained over the small pulley 52 of a comparatively large pulley wheel assembly 53. The large pulley 54 is fitted with a drive belt 55 driven by drive pulley 56. The drive pulley 56 is driven by a drive shaft 57 extending upwardly through the support plate 32 and comprising an electric drive motor 58 secured against the underside of said support plate as by machine bolts 59.

Means is provided for positionally adjusting the idler pulley assembly 53 in the lateral direction to provide for tensional adjustment and replacement of the belts 51 and 55. To this end, the common journalling pin 60 of the idler pulley assembly 53 is supported by a journal support block 61 slidingly received for lateral in and out movement within a guide slot 62 provided in the support plate 32. A threaded adjustment rod 63 is rotatably secured at one end to the journal block 61 and extends sidewardly outwardly through an internallythreaded support block 64 which is fixed against an outer edge portion of the support plate 32 as by machine screws 65. The adjustment rod 63 terminates in an adjustment handle 66 permitting in and out adjustment of the idler pulley assembly journal block 61.

The drive screw 48 has threadingly received thereon a carrier sleeve member 67 (see FIGS. 5, 6 and 8) secured within the upper end of a tubular drive rod 68 as by radial lock pins 69. The lower end of the tubular drive rod 68 is securely affixed against the inside of the bottom plate 38 of the ram 37 as by being screwthreaded on a stud bolt 70 welded or otherwise securely afiixed upon the upper surface of said bottom plate. As best illustrated in FIG. 8, the tubular drive rod 68, near the upper end thereof, is integrally formed with a diametrically opposed pair of rectangular, outwardly-projecting guide member portions 71, 72. As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the guide member portions 71, 72 are slidingly received and constrained to vertical motion only in diametrically-opposed slots 73, 74 formed along a substantially cylindrical sleeve cam member 75 circumjacent the drive screw 48 and securely affixed at its upper end with respect to the underside of the support plate 32. The lower end of the sleeve cam member 75 is welded to a sleeve ring 76 slidingly received on the tubular drive rod 68.

As means for electrically controlling the reciprocatory motion of the ram 28, a limit switch 77 is provided, said limit switch being affixed to the lower end of a rigid, vertically-extending pipe 78, the upper end of which is secured to the support plate 32, as is best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The limit switch 77 has an actuating arm 79 so positioned as to be actuated by an abutment bracket 80 affixed to the rectangular bottom plate 38 when the ram 37 reaches its uppermost position (see FIG. 3), and by an abutment bracket 81 affixed to the ram guide sleeve 42 when said ram reaches its lowermost position (see FIG. 4). The electrical control circuitry hereinafter described with reference to the electrical schematic diagram of FIG. 13 further comprises adjustable starting and reversing time delay relays mounted within a control panel assembly 82 at the upper end of the front of the unit framework 13. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the control panel assembly 82 mounts the control and indicating elements of the electrical circuitry, hereinafter more particularly described, and plug-in interconnection of the circuitry is effected by means of an electrical connector plug 83 affixed to the control panel 82 and removably receivable in an electrical connector receptacle 84 affixed with respect to the main compactor unit framework 13.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, the main compactor unit 11 is partially enclosed by a top panel member 85 integrally formed with an upper rear panel section 86 and upper side panel sections 87 and 88. Separate side panels 89, 90 attached to the unit framework 13 fully enclose the remainder of the sides of the operated lock 95 having a latch bar 96 at the insidev adapted to latch behind the rear corner post 17 of the unit framework 13 for maintaining the access door 92 in closed and locked position. When so locked, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the latch bar 96 actuates a microswitch 97, close-circuiting it. The microswitch 97 is normally open-circuited, and serves as an interlock in the electrical control circuitry of the device, preventing operation unless the access door is closed and locked, as is hereinafter more particularly described. It will be understood that the access door 92 provides for convenient access to the interior ram mechanism for cleaning and repair.

At the front of the compactor unit 11 there is provided an open-front chute 98 for dropping refuse into the waste container dolly 12 for disposal. The dolly 12 comprises a bottom plate 99 rollably supported on castor wheels 100 and carrying a rectangular, box-like enclosure 101 for containing the waste to be compacted. An upwardly and outwardly-extending handle 102 at the front of the waste container dolly 12 permits wheeling the dolly between positions of use in association with the main compactor unit 11 for receiving and having compacted therein waste, and remote positions for conveniently disposing of waste compacted therein. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the heavy bottom plate 99 of the dolly l2 slides at each side over the front-to-bztck bottom plates 24, 25 of the main compactor unit 11 when said dolly is fitted in place therein, to provide for firm support from underneath during the compacting process. In order that the compactor cannot be operated without the waste container dolly 12 being properly fitted in place, a key lock 103 is provided in the front of said dolly (see FIG. 1), operative to simultaneously lock the dolly in place and close-circuit a microswitch, as in the lock and switch mechanism described above with reference to the rear panel door 92.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 9, l0 and 11, the compactor ram assembly 28 is enclosed at the upper portion of the waste receiving opening of the chute 98 by means of a panel door 104 hinged at one side as by hinges 105 affixed with respect to front corner post l3 and seatable at the other side against an angle iron bracket member 106 fixed with respect to front corner post 14. A key lock 107 provided in the panel door 104 operates a latch bar 108 operative, upon locking of the door, to interhook within the slot 109 provided in front corner post 14, while at the same time actuating a normally open-circuited microswitch 110 connected in series as an interlock in the electrical control circuitry to prevent operation of the compactor without panel door 104 being closed and locked, as is hereinafter more particularly described.

As additional safety means in operation of the compactor, mechanism is provided for automatically stopping downward movement of the ram 37 if any obstruction, such as a users hand, should be placed within the chute and below the lower end of the front panel door 104 during operation of the compactor. To this end, a panel guard gate 111 is arranged for vertical sliding motion directly behind the panel door 104 (see FIGS. 1, 4, 9, 10 and 11), said guard door being constrained to gravity-actuated, vertical sliding movement with respect to said panel door by means of U-shaped, doublebent guide track portions 1 12, 113 provided along each side of said panel door (see FIG. 1 1). A top central portion of the guard gate 111 has affixed thereto an inwardly-extending abutment member 114 cooperative with a rocker lever member 115 pivotally-mounted with respect to front plate 46 of the ram housing structure. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 10, the front plate 46, along the upper end thereof, has secured thereto a relatively fixed support plate 116 carrying opposed bracket members 117 (only one shown) journalling a pin 118 pivotally supporting the rocker lever member 115. The rocker lever member 115, which is generally U-shaped in configuration, comprises a downwardly-extending outer lever arm portion 119 at the outside of the ram housing and a downwardlyextending inner lever arm portion 120 at the inside of said housing. Affixed to the bracket members 117 is a downwardly-extending, substantially rigid, verticallyextending guide bar 121 against the lower inner edge of which the inner lever arm portion 120 of the rocker lever member 115 abuts to limit its anti-clockwise movement, as illustrated by the full-line representation of said inner lever arm portion in FIG. 10.

The lower end of the outer lever arm portion of the rocker lever member 115 terminates in an outwardlyextending and slightly downwardly-inclined lever abutment portion 122 so positioned as to receive, in seating engagement thereupon, the abutment member 114 associated with panel guard gate 111. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 10, with such construction it will be seen that normally, upon downward movement of the ram 37 in a compacting operation, the guard gate 111 follows the downward movement of the ram by force of gravity until it seats against the bottom surface of the opening of the chute 98, as shown by the full-line representation thereof in FIG. 4, whereafter the ram will complete its downward motion and, at a certain position its upward stroke, interengage again with the abutment member 114 to carry said guard gate to its uppermost position, as illustrated in FIG. 1 to provide for free access through the chute into the refuse container of dolly 12 fur further compacting. If, during the downward stroke of the compactor ram 37, an obstruction should be placed under the guard gate 111 preventing it following the downward movement of said ram, the abutment pressure afforded by the abutment member 114 (see FIG. 10) will be released from the rocker lever member 115, permitting said rocker lever member to swing clockwisely to the position designated by the broken line representation thereof, whereat it serves'to stop further downward movement of the ram by actuation of a microswitch in the control circuitry. To this end, a microswitch 123 having an actuating lever 124 is affixed to the lower end of a rigid pipe 125 securely affixed at its upper end to the support plate 32. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 10, the actuating lever 124 is so positioned that during the first part of the downward stroke of the compacting ram 37 it rides along the lower end portion of the inner lever arm portion 120 of the rocker member 115 (see FIG. which serves to actuate the associated microswitch 123 into closedcircuit condition. Such actuation of the microswitch, it being connected in the energization circuit of the electric drive motor 58 as is hereinafter more particularly described, completes a circuit permitting operation of said drive motor and movement of the compactor ram 37. If, however, the gravityactuated free downward movement of the guard gate 111 is obstructed during downward movement of the ram, such as by placement of a persons hand into the throat of the chute underneath the ram, pressure of the gate associated abutment member 114 against the abutment portion 122 of the rocker lever member 115 will be released, to the effect that the inner lever arm portion 120 thereof will move clockwisely to the position indicated by the broken-line representation thereof in FIG. 10, whereat it will no longer serve to actuate the microswitch 123. Such actuation of the microswitch 123 is operative to immediately reverse the ram drive motor and thereby return to its uppermost limit or rest position until such time as the obstruction preventing free downward movement of the guard gate 111 is removed.

Means is provided for indicating when a full load of waste material has been compacted within the dolly 12 during operation of the compactor. To this end, a volume indicator limit microswitch 126 (see P16. 3) having an actuating lever 127 is affixed to the lower end of a rigid pipe 128 securely affixed at its upper end to the support plate 32. The actuating lever 127 is so positioned that when the downward stroke of the compactor ram 37 reaches about one inch from the top of the dolly, it rides along a cylindrical abutment member 129 having an upwardly-extending threaded shaft 130 adjustably secured to a bracket 131 affixed against ram guide sleeve 41. The cylindrical abutment member 129 can thus be adjusted in its vertical direction to indicate a full load at a small range of distances from the top of the dolly, to best suit the type of waste being compacted, whereat said abutment member can be secured in place as by lock nut 132. As hereinbelow more particularly set forth in the description of electrical circuit operation, the microswitch 126, if close-circuited by virtue of being in abutment with abutment member 129 at the same time reversal of the ram 37 is effected because of full load conditions in the dolly, effects energization of a full load indicator lamp 133 mounted in the control panel 82. The operator is thus warned that the dolly is full and should be emptied before placing the compactor in service again.

Referring now to FIG. 13 in considering the operation of the electrical circuitry, electrical power such as from a 120 VAC supply is fed in series through safety interlock switch 136 mounted in the control panel 82, front door switch 110, and rear door switch 97 to main operating breaker switch 137, also mounted in the control panel. Unless the safety interlock switch 136, front door switch 110 and rear door switch 97 are all closed, it will be understood that the compactor cannot be operated. Upon manual closure of the main control switch 137 a circuit is closed to energizing conduit 138. The operator will now actuate operate control switch 139, which serves to apply current to the coil of starting time delay relay 140 through now closed switch arm 141 associated with limit switch 72, through conductor 142, through now-closed contact arm 143 of chute gate microswitch 123, through conductor 144, through now closed contact arm 145 of dolly safety microswitch 146, and through conductors 147 and 148. After a delay of about 12 seconds, switch arm 149 of starting time delay relay 140 closes, completing a circuit through conductor 150 to the energizing coil of a control relay 151, the remaining energization terminal of said relay being returned to ground potential. The energization of control relay 151 close circuits switch arm 152 so as to apply energizing current through conductor 153 to the running coil 154 of drive electric motor 58. The remaining energization terminal of running coil 154 is returned to ground potential conductor 135. At the same time, current flowing through conductor 153 will be fed through now closed governor switch 155 and conductor 156 to one energization terminal of coil 157 associated with a reversing time delay relay 158. The normally-closed switch 159 of the reversing time delay relay 158 will remain close-circuited for one-half second, during which time the energizing coil 160 of reversing relay 161 will become energized through conductor 162 and ground return line 163. The closure of reversing relay 161 energizes the starting coil 164 of drive motor 58 through conductor 138, now closed reversing relay switch 165, conductor 166, now closed switch 167 of control relay 151, conductor 168 to one energizing terminal of said starting coil, thence through starting control condenser 169, conductor 170 and now closed switch 171 of control relay 151 to ground potential return conductor 135. After the abovementioned half second time delay has elapsed, the reversing relay 161 will open, thereby opening the abovedescribed circuit to the motor starting coil 164. At this point in operation, the compactor ram will be moving in the downward or compacting direction. As soon as this downward movement starts, the ram limit switch 77 will become de-actuated, thereby open-circuiting the above-described energizing circuit to the starting timedelay relay 140. At the same time, the ram limit switch will close-circuit its switch arm 172, supplying energizing current through conductor 173, now closed switch arm 174 of starting time delay relay 140 and conductor 175 to the energization coil 176 of control relay 177, the remaining terminal of said energizing coil being returned to ground potential conductor 135. The closure of control relay 177 permits current to flow through conductor 138 and now-closed switch arm 178 of control relay 177 to conductor 179, energizing running coil 154 of motor 58, the remaining terminal of said running coil being connected to ground potential conductor 135, thereby maintaining the motor in operation to effect continued downward movement of the ram.

When the ram reaches its lower limit position, the ram limit switch 77 is actuated by abutment bracket 81, whereupon lower limit switch 180 becomes closedcircuited and whereupon an energizing current will be supplied to the energizing coil 157 of reversing time delay relay 158 through conduit 138, now closed limit switch switch arms 172 and 180, and conductors 181 and 182. As described above, a signal current of approximately one-half second duration will thus be applied to the energizing coil 160 of reversing relay 161, closing said reversing relay. The closed circuiting of re versing switch arm 193 of relay 161 permits current to flow in the reverse direction through conductors 192 and 194, and now closed switch contact arms 195 and 196 of control relay 177 through starting coil 164 and its associated starting condensor 169 of motor 58, thereby reversing its direction and starting the upward stroke of the ram. Approximately a half second later the switch 159 of the time delay relay 158 opens, deenergizing the energizing coil 160 of reversing relay 161 and thereby de-energizing the above-described circuit to the starting coil of the motor. However, current continues to flow through the running coil 154 of the motor through the ram limit switch 77 and the nowclosed contacts of the control relay 177, as described above,so that the ram will continue in the upward direction. I

At the top of its stroke, the ram limit switch 77 is again actuated by abutment with upper limit abutment bracket 81, whereupon ram'limit switch contact arm 172 will become open-circuited to open the above described energization circuit to the coil 176 of control relay 177 through switch arm 198 of operate control switch 139 and now-closed switch 174 of starting time delay relay 140. The open-circuiting of control relay 177 open-circuits the above-described energizing circuit through the running coil 154 of the drive motor 58, stopping the motor so that the ram will remain at rest temporarily in its uppermost limit position. However, at the same time switch arm 172 of the ram limit switch 77 is thus opened, the associated switch 141 will be closed, completing the energizing circuit as described above through operate control switch 139 to the energizing coil of the starting time delay relay 140. After about 12 seconds delay, time delay relay 140 closes its associated switch arm 149 to repeat control of the drive motor 58 to effect the next cycle of operation of the ram.

If during the downward stroke of the ram a reactive load exerted thereupon because of the compaction of waste materials becomes so great as to slow the speed of the drive motor below approximately 1,375 RPM, the centrifugal switch 155 in the motor 58 closes, thereby supplying an energizing current to the coil of the reversing time delay relay 158 through switch contact arm 178 of the control relay 177,- and conductors 179 and 156. As described above, a signal current of about one-half second duration is thus applied to the energizing coil 160 of reversing relay 16], allowing current to flow through the starting coil 164 of the motor 58 and thereby reversing said motor. Reversal of the motor thus terminates downward movement of the ram and returns it to its upper limit or start position again.

Means is also provided to reverse downward movement of the ram whenever an obstruction is placed within the chute below the lower end of the front panel a door 104 during operation of the compactor. Under such conditions, as described above the downward movement of the guard gate 111 will be impeded, with the result that the door safety microswitch 123 will be actuated as described above. This efiects closecircuiting of switch arm 183 of door safety microswitch 123, completing a circuit through now closed-switch arm 172 of ram limit switch 77, and conductors 184 and 182 to the energizing coil of reversing time delay relay 158 which, as described above, serves to reverse the drive motor 58 and thereby immediately return the ram to its uppermost limit position again.

Means is also provided to return the ram to its uppermost limit position when the dolly safety switch 146 is unlocked for withdrawal of the refuse dolly 12. Upon opening of the dolly safety switch 146 its switch contact arm 185 closes, completing a circuit through now closed switch contact arm 172 of ram limit switch 172, and conductors 181 and 182, energizing said reversing time delay relay for reversing the drive motor 58 as described above. It is to be noted that if either the door safety switch 173 or the dolly safety switch 146 is actuated as described above, their associated switch contact arms '143 and will become open circuited, thereby opening the above described series energization circuit to the starting time delay relay 140 through operate control switch 139, preventing further operation of the compactor until both the dolly is properly locked in place and any obstruction preventing free downward movement of the chute gate 1 11 is removed.

As ishereinabove mentioned, means is also provided for indicating when a full load of waste material has been compacted within the dolly 12 during operation of compactor. To this end, if, during downward movement of the ram, the volume indicator limit microswitch 126 is close-circuited because of being in abutment with abutment member 129 (see FIG. 3) at the same time reversal of the ram 37 is effected because of full load conditions in the dolly, an energizing circuit to the energizing coil 186 of a volume control relay 187 is completed through switch arm of reversing relay 161, and conductor 166, 188 and 189. Energization of volume control relay 187 completes an energization circuit to volume control indicator lamp 133 through relay contact arm 190, in the control panel 82, warning the compactor operator that the dolly is full. At the same time, closure of switch contact arm 191 of the volume control relay 186 completes a locking or holding energization circuit to the energization coil 186 of said relay, so that the volume control indicator lamp 133 will remain energized until the dolly is emptied.

While I have illustrated and described herein only one form in which my invention can conveniently be embodied in practice, it is to be understood that this form is presented by way of example only and not in a limiting sense. The invention, in brief, comprises all the embodiments and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A portable waste compactor comprising, in combination, an upstanding main compactor member, said main compactor member comprising a framework defining a side opening at the lower end thereof, said framework further comprising a chute opening above said side opening, a compactor ram, mechanism supporting said compactor ram for vertical reciprocative motion within said main compactor member, electric drive means for reciprocatively moving said ram within said main compactor member, a waste container dolly, said waste container dolly being removably receivable within said lower end side opening of said framework, said waste container dolly comprising a box-like enclosure having a top opening adapted to receive a lower end portion of said reciprocative ram when said dolly is received within said lower end side opening, a guard gate, mechanism constraining said guard gate to vertical reciprocative movement with respect to said main compactor member framework in closing and opening relation with respect to said chute opening, mechanism cooperative between said guard gate and said compactor ram for closing said chute opening with said guard gate upon downward movement of said compactor ram into said dolly, and means controlled by the obstruction of said guard gate in its downward, chute opening closure movement to effect reversal of the downward movement of said ram, said electric drive means comprising an electric drive motor, an electric energizing circuit for said drive motor and switch means in said energizing circuit and controlled upon said dolly being received within said lower end side opening of said frame work, said switch means comprising a keyoperated lock operative to lock said dolly in place within said lower end side opening of said framework.

2. A portable waste compactor comprising, in combination, an upstanding main compactor member, said main compactor member comprising a framework defining a side opening at the lower end thereof, said framework further comprising a chute opening above said side opening, a compactor ram, mechanism supporting said compactor ram for vertical reciprocative motion within said main compactor member, electric drive means for reciprocatively moving said ram within said main compactor member, a waste containerdolly, said waste container dolly being removably receivable within said lower end side opening of said framework, said waste container dolly comprising a box-like enclosure having a top opening adapted to receive a lower end portion of said reciprocative ram when said dolly is received within said lower end side opening, a guard gate, mechanism constraining said guard gate to vertical reciprocative movement with respect to said main compactor member framework in closing and opening relation with respect to said chute opening, mechanism cooperative between said guard gate and said compactor ram for closing said chute opening with said guard gate upon downward movement of said compactor rarn into said dolly, and means controlled by the obstruction of said guard gate in its downward, chute opening closure movement to effect reversal of the downward movement of said ram, said electric drive means comprising an electric drive motor, an electric energizing circuit for said drive motor and switch means in said energizing circuit and controlled upon said dolly being received within said lower end side opening of said frame work, said electric drive means further comprising a drive screw rotatively journalled at one end with respect to said supporting mechanism and extending downwardly within said compactor ram, an internallythreaded carrier sleeve member threadingly received on said drive screw, and a tubular drive rod fixed at one end at the bottom of said ram and extending upwardly thereof, said sleeve member being within the upper end of said tubular drive rod.

3. A portable solid waste compactor as defined in comprising a diametrically-opposed pair of outwardlyprojecting guide member portions slidingly received, one each, in diametrically opposed, verticallyextending slots formed along said cylindrical cam member.

5. A portable solid waste compactor as defined in claim 3, wherein said electric drive means further comprises pulley mechanism drivingly interconnecting the drive shaft of said electric drive motor with said one end of said drive screw and further comprising an idler pulley.

6. A portable solid waste compactor as defined in claim 5, wherein said pulley mechanism comprises a pair of pulley belts trained between said idler pulley and one each of a pair of pulleys carried by said electric motor drive shaft and said drive screw, and means for adjustably positioning said idler pulley with respect to said supporting mechanism.

7. A portable waste compactor comprising, in combination, an upstanding main compactor member, said main compactor member comprising a framework defining a side opening at the lower end thereof, said framework further comprising a chute opening above said side opening, a compactor ram, mechanism supporting said compactor ram for vertical reciprocative motion within said main compactor member, electric drive means for reciprocatively moving said ram within said .main compactor member, a waste container dolly, said waste container dolly being removably receivable within said lower end side opening of said framework, said waste container dolly comprising a box-like enclosure having a top opening adapted to receive a lower end portion of said reciprocative ram when said dolly is received within said lower end side opening, a guard gate, mechanism constraining said guard gate to vertical reciprocative movement with respect to said main compactor member framework in closing and opening relation with respect to said chute opening, mechanism cooperative between said guard gate and said compactor ram for closing said chute opening with said guard gate upon downward movement of said compactor ram into said dolly, and means controlled by the obstruction of said guard gate in its downward, chute opening closure movement to effect reversal of the downward movement of said ram, said electric drive means comprising an electric drive motor, an electric energizing circuit for said drive motor and switch means in said energizing circuit and controlled upon said dolly being received within said lower end side opening of said frame work, said energizing circuit further comprising means for reversing said drive motor upon said compactor ram, in its downward movement, being subjected to a reactive force of greater than a predetermined threshold value and effected by the compaction of waste in said dolly, said energizing circuit further including a volume control indicator lamp and switch means controlled by said ram upon being subjected to said reactive force greater than said predetermined threshold value concurrently with said ram being in a predetermined position in its downward movement representative of a fully compacted dolly, for energizing said indicator lamp and thereby alerting the compactor operator that the dolly is full of refuse and needs emptying. 

1. A portable waste compactor comprising, in combination, an upstanding main compactor member, said main compactor member comprising a framework defining a side opening at the lower end thereof, said framework further comprising a chute opening above said side opening, a compactor ram, mechanism supporting said compactor ram for vertical reciprocative motion within said main compactor member, electric drive means for reciprocatively moving said ram within said main compactor member, a waste container dolly, said waste container dolly being removably receivable within said lower end side opening of said framework, said waste container dolly comprising a box-like enclosure having a top opening adapted to receive a lower end portion of said reciprocative ram when said dolly is received within said lower end side opening, a guard gate, mechanism constraining said guard gate to vertical reciprocative movement with respect to said main compactor member framework in closing and opening relation with respect to said chute opening, mechanism cooperative between said guard gate and said compactor ram for closing said chute opening with said guard gate upon downward movement of said compactor ram into said dolly, and means controlled by the obstruction of said guard gate in its downward, chute opening closure movement to effect reversal of the downward movement of said ram, said electric drive means comprising an electric drive motor, an electric energizing circuit for said drive motor and switch means in said energizing circuit and controlled upon said dolly being received within said lower end side opening of said frame work, said switch means comprising a key-operated lock operative to lock said dolly in place within said lower end side opening of said framework.
 2. A portable waste compactor comprising, in combination, an upstanding main compactor member, said main compactor member comprising a framework defining a side opening at the lower end thereof, said framework further comprising a chute opening above said side opening, a compactor ram, mechanism supporting said compactor ram for vertical reciprocative motion within said main compactor member, electric drive means for reciprocatively moving said ram within said main compactor member, a waste container dolly, said waste container dolly being removably receivable within said lower end side opening of said framework, said waste container dolly comprising a box-like enclosure having a top opening adapted to receive a lower end portion of said reciprocative ram when said dolly is received within said lower end side opening, a guard gate, mechanism constraining said guard gate to vertical reciprocative movement with respect to said main compactor member framework in closing and opening relation with respect to said chute opening, mechanism cooperative between said guard gate and said compactor ram for closing said chute opening with said guard gate upon downward movement of said compactor ram into said dolly, and means controlled by the obstruction of said guard gate in its downward, chute opening closure movement to effect reversal of the downward movement of said ram, said electric drive means comprising an electric drive motor, an electric energizing circuit for said drive motor and switch means in said energizing circuit and controlled upon said dolly being received within said lower end side opening of said frame work, said electric drive means further comprising a drive screw rotatively journalled at one end with respect to said supporting mechanism and extending downwardly within said compactor ram, an internally-threaded carrier sleeve member threadingly received on said drive screw, and a tubular drive rod fixed at one end at the bottom of said ram and extending upwardly thereof, said sleeve member being within the upper end of said tubular drive rod.
 3. A portable solid waste compactor as defined in claim 2, including means constraining said carrier sleeve member to vertical movement along said drive screw.
 4. A portable solid waste compactor as defined in claim 3, wherein said constraining means comprises a cylindrical cam sleeve member circumjacent said drive screw and affixed at its upper end with respect to said supporting mechanism, said carrier sleeve member comprising a diametrically-opposed pair of outwardly-projecting guide membeR portions slidingly received, one each, in diametrically opposed, vertically-extending slots formed along said cylindrical cam member.
 5. A portable solid waste compactor as defined in claim 3, wherein said electric drive means further comprises pulley mechanism drivingly interconnecting the drive shaft of said electric drive motor with said one end of said drive screw and further comprising an idler pulley.
 6. A portable solid waste compactor as defined in claim 5, wherein said pulley mechanism comprises a pair of pulley belts trained between said idler pulley and one each of a pair of pulleys carried by said electric motor drive shaft and said drive screw, and means for adjustably positioning said idler pulley with respect to said supporting mechanism.
 7. A portable waste compactor comprising, in combination, an upstanding main compactor member, said main compactor member comprising a framework defining a side opening at the lower end thereof, said framework further comprising a chute opening above said side opening, a compactor ram, mechanism supporting said compactor ram for vertical reciprocative motion within said main compactor member, electric drive means for reciprocatively moving said ram within said main compactor member, a waste container dolly, said waste container dolly being removably receivable within said lower end side opening of said framework, said waste container dolly comprising a box-like enclosure having a top opening adapted to receive a lower end portion of said reciprocative ram when said dolly is received within said lower end side opening, a guard gate, mechanism constraining said guard gate to vertical reciprocative movement with respect to said main compactor member framework in closing and opening relation with respect to said chute opening, mechanism cooperative between said guard gate and said compactor ram for closing said chute opening with said guard gate upon downward movement of said compactor ram into said dolly, and means controlled by the obstruction of said guard gate in its downward, chute opening closure movement to effect reversal of the downward movement of said ram, said electric drive means comprising an electric drive motor, an electric energizing circuit for said drive motor and switch means in said energizing circuit and controlled upon said dolly being received within said lower end side opening of said frame work, said energizing circuit further comprising means for reversing said drive motor upon said compactor ram, in its downward movement, being subjected to a reactive force of greater than a predetermined threshold value and effected by the compaction of waste in said dolly, said energizing circuit further including a volume control indicator lamp and switch means controlled by said ram upon being subjected to said reactive force greater than said predetermined threshold value concurrently with said ram being in a predetermined position in its downward movement representative of a fully compacted dolly, for energizing said indicator lamp and thereby alerting the compactor operator that the dolly is full of refuse and needs emptying. 